Middlesbrough is a hive of activity for businesses, whether they're established big name businesses or brand new independents. Our very own Baker Street was desolate before it found itself in the hands of several independent companies, and now is one of the most vibrant places in our town!
In this post, we're going to be sharing five of our favourite businesswomen from the area whose work is both inspiring and helping our town to thrive.
Ellie Rees
At just 21 years old, Ellie Rees graduated from university with a degree in Fashion Brand Management and the hopes of starting her own business. With a little encouragement from her tutors and a full business plan later, Collab Media, a social media marketing consultancy, was born. Almost 3 years on, Collab Media has helped bloggers, musicians, small businesses and more to utilise social media in the best way possible! Ellie is also passionate about women in business, so recently started hosting #WomenInCollaboration networking events in the area. Her drive and dedication definitely make her one to watch!
Claire Whaite
What started as a back bedroom dream with a badge maker has now become a reality for Claire Whaite. She is the director and co-founder of Punky Pins, the lifestyle fashion accessory brand. Stocking hundreds of handmade, hand-designed pins, patches, keyrings, stickers and more, this company has gone global with the likes of Georgia Jagger wearing one of their necklaces on the front cover of Vogue. That's right - a business based in Middlesbrough has gone global! She now manages a team of around 20 staff at Punky Pins and co-owns the creative manufacturing company, Zap! Creatives. Both businesses are going from strength to strength, and Claire doesn't show any signs of slowing down just yet!
Sharon Williams
Sharon is a huge inspiration to us here at Tees and Cake. She co-founded the #ThisNorthernGirlCan movement, something that inspired this very website, so loves breaking the stereotypes around women, especially those in the 50+ bracket. Her efforts with this movement have been felt massively in Middlesbrough after their Twitter campaigns and scheduled talks, but it's also being felt further afield thanks to a Facebook group that saw almost 1,500 people joining to talk all about women up North. Being totally tech and social media savvy, Sharon also runs an award-winning blog and has recently set up The Social Gene, a social media and digital strategy consultancy, with her son. We hope she continues to wear the brightest red lipstick and inspires women across the region for years to come!
Fiona Reid
As a child, Fiona loved watching her mum and grandmother bake on Sundays. This is a memory that has stuck with her right into her 20s and is one of the reasons why she set up Crumble & Slice. She baked all the time whilst studying for her textiles degree, but knew that it was something that she could pursue as a career. What started as selling her delicious goods on a market stall has led to her opening her very own coffee shop and selling bespoke, made-to-order celebration cakes. With a little help from her mum, this 24 year old is showing that you can turn your passion into a career in the sweetest way possible.
Prof. Jane Turner
Professor Turner has recently just been named one of the most influential women in business in the Northern Power Women Power List 2018. If that doesn't convince you that she's a kick-ass lady, then we're not sure what will! She is passionate about teaching, but is also passionate about female role models in the area and striving for equality in business. She will be one of the keynote speakers at the Tees Businesswomen Awards and we can guarantee that the things she has to say will be uplifting and powerful.
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